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Bill Paxton Dies at 61

Bill Paxton passed away Saturday from complications following heart surgery. A representative for his family released a statement saying:

“Bill’s passion for the arts was felt by all who knew him, and his warmth and tireless energy were undeniable.”

Paxton started working in Hollywood when he was 18 as a set dresser for Roger Corman’s New World Pictures. His first role was a small part in Jonathan Demme’s “Crazy Mama” for Corman. He studied acting under Stella Adler, and made films for Saturday Night Live. His MANY film credit include titles such as Aliens, Titanic, The Terminator, Twister, Apollo 13, Tombstone, etc. Paxton also did television work earning an Emmy nomination for the 2012 miniseries Hatfields & McCoys. He was working on the CBS series Training Day at the time of his passing. In a statement, CBS said:

“We are shocked and deeply saddened this morning by the news of Bill Paxton’s passing. Bill was, of course, a gifted and popular actor with so many memorable roles on film and television. His colleagues at CBS and Warner Bros. Television will also remember a guy who lit up every room with infectious charm, energy and warmth, and as a great storyteller who loved to share entertaining anecdotes and stories about his work. All of us here offer our deepest sympathy to his wife, Louise, and his two children.”

Paxton played a polygamist on HBO’s Big Love. HBO released a statement:

“We are extremely saddened to hear of the passing of Bill Paxton.’Big Love’ was a seminal series for HBO for many years due to Bill’s extraordinary talent and grace. Offscreen, he was as warm, smart and fun as one could be. A true friend to so many at HBO. He will be greatly missed.”

The series lasted five seasons, earning three Golden Globe nominations for Paxton.

Paxton is survived by his two children, James and Lydia Paxton, and his wife Louise Newbury. He was 61.